In criminal and civil cases where police officers are involved, often one of the parties would like to gain access to a police officer's personnel file. The procedure for making the request is a Pitchess motion. This allows a criminal defendant or civil litigant to request disclosure of arresting or investigating officer or detective's personnel file in order to discover evidence regarding credibility, prejudice or prior use of excessive force.

Presented by:

David A. Katz, Managing Attorney, Katz & Associates
Nikhil Damle, Associate, Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley